All Blacks Defeat Pumas in Rain-soaked Hamilton
The All Blacks overcame difficult conditions to defeat the Argentina Pumas 28-13 in a rain-soaked Rugby Championship clash at Waikato Stadium in Hamilton on Saturday, extending their winning streak in the multi-nation competition.
The team went back to basics in order to beat the combative Argentinian side, playing a functional game focused on going about business to get the desired result. While the play itself wasn’t memorable, the result has solidified their position as the most consistent team in professional rugby.
The match saw Dan Carter become the first man in history to reach 1,400 test-points, adding 10 points to his tally after beginning the game on 1,399.
The Pumas scored early, with Juan Manuel Leguizamon making the most of an All Blacks fumble to score a try within the first five minutes. This spurred the All Blacks into action, with the team working their way to a total of three tries scored by Aaron Smith (2) and Julian Savea.
Captain Richie McCaw was injured in the 60th minute of the game, damaging his medial ligament after catching his leg in the break-down of a tackle. His is expected to be out of play for up to five weeks.
The All Blacks take on South Africa in Auckland next weekend before heading off on the international leg of their Championship draw.
